Best Global Health Insurance Plans (2024)

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Sunny Yadav updated on 4 October 2023

Global health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred anywhere in the world. It is typically purchased by people who live, work, or travel outside of their home country.

It can also be purchased by people who live in their home country but want to have the flexibility to travel or receive medical care abroad. The cost of global health insurance depends on a number of factors, including age, health history, country of residence, and coverage.

Let’s discuss some of the best global health insurance plans to help you in your searchYou can use our comparator to compare the best plans and get free global health insurance quotes based on your unique needs.

Top 6 Global Health Insurance Plans

  1. Cigna Global: Top-tier global healthcare
  2. IMG: Annually renewable
  3. Integra Global: For individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes
  4. Allianz Global Assistance: Coverage from a globally reputed name
  5. ALC: Includes short-term plans
  6. Aetna: Coverage for a wide range of medical services

Our top best Global Health Insurance plans 2024

While Canadian provincial healthcare plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan or the MSP in BC offer coverage within Canada, they often have limitations when you're outside the province or country. Global health insurance becomes essential for Canadians to bridge these gaps and ensure comprehensive medical care when traveling or living abroad.

The choice of the best global health insurance plan for Canadians is based on individual healthcare needs, budget, travel habits, and the extent of provincial healthcare coverage limitations. However, we have listed the top global health insurance plans that provide comprehensive coverage and diverse plans.

But we recommend you compare multiple plans before deciding what's best for you. You can do it right here using our comparator below - compare multiple plans and get free quotes in no time.

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Cigna global health insurance: Top-tier global healthcare

A division of Cigna Corporation, Cigna Global is a health services company based in the United States. It offers a range of insurance and healthcare services, and Cigna Global Health Insurance is specifically designed to provide comprehensive health coverage to individuals and expatriates who are living, working, or traveling abroad.

Its global health insurance has two options - Cigna Global Health and Cigna Close Care.

Cigna Global Health: Experience top-tier global healthcare with the flexibility you desire. Choose between two expansive coverage areas: Worldwide or Worldwide excluding the US.

  • Tailor your plan with ease, selecting from 3 distinct coverage levels, complemented by a choice of 4 optional add-ons and a range of flexible payment options.
  • Enjoy all-encompassing protection, including inpatient, day-patient, and emergency care, comprehensive mental health support, pandemic coverage, and cancer care.

Cigna Close Care: Cigna Close Care is to support you both in your country of residence and during return visits to your home country.

  • Rest easy knowing that emergency medical coverage extends beyond these two areas for temporary trips.
  • This budget-friendly plan allows you to customize it according to your needs and preferences.

You can enhance these plans with add-ons like international outpatient and international vision and dental insurance.

For a 27-year-old male, the per month cost for Cigna Global Health plans will be:

  • Silver: $84.43
  • Gold: $114.18
  • Platinum: $150.24
PlanOverall Annual BenefitInpatient & Daypatient CostsCancer CareMental Health CareMaternity Coverage
Silver
$1,000,000Paid in full for private roomPaid in fullUp to $5,000No Maternity
Gold
$2,000,000Paid in full for private roomPaid in fullUp to $10,000Up to $7,000
Platinum
UnlimitedPaid in full for private roomPaid in fullPaid in fullUp to $14,000
Cigna global international health insurance coverage

IMG Global Health insurance: Annually renewable

The IMG Group, also known as International Medical Group, specializes in providing a wide range of insurance products and support services for individuals and organizations traveling, living, or working abroad.

International Medical Group (IMG) offers global health insurance for visitors, immigrants, expatriates, and global citizens. This is an annual renewable program for individuals and families. The key features of their plan are: 

  • Comprehensive, annually renewable worldwide medical insurance for both individuals and families, ideal for long-term coverage (1+ year).
  • Flexible deductible choices range from $100 to $25,000.
  • Wide-ranging maximum limit options available, from $1,000,000 to $8,000,000.

This insurance plan is tailored to meet the diverse needs of these specific groups.

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. This plan welcomes individuals and families of all nationalities, including Canadians.
  2. U.S. citizens intending to be residing outside the U.S. on or before their effective date and renewal dates for at least six (6) out of the next 12 months are eligible.
  3. Additional eligibility criteria apply to non-U.S. citizens residing in the U.S.
  4. Coverage is available for individuals aged 14 days to 74 years, with coverage ending at age 75.
  5. Individuals aged 75 years and older do not qualify for coverage.

Before making any decision about buying global health insurance, make sure it meets all your needs and expectations. Cost will play a crucial factor, too, so make sure to shop around to get the best deal. You can use our comparator tool to compare plans and get instant global health insurance quotes.


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Integra global health insurance: For individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes

Integra Global offers family-friendly international health insurance for busy people living overseas. It offers a range of health insurance plans to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes. The plans are divided into two categories:

  • Individual and Family Plans: Designed for individuals and families who live, work, or travel outside of their home country.
  • Group Plans: These plans are for businesses that have employees who live, work, or travel outside of their home country.

Integra Global offers three individual and family plans:

  • yourLife: This is the most basic plan, and it covers a wide range of medical services, including inpatient, outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care, and dental care.
  • PremierLife: This plan offers more comprehensive coverage than the yourLife plan, it includes additional benefits such as vision care, wellness benefits, and medical evacuation.
  • PremierFamily: This plan is specifically for families, it includes additional benefits such as superlative maternity benefits and child accompaniment for hospitalization.

Integra Global offers a variety of group plans to businesses of all sizes. The plans can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business and its employees. Integra Global plans cover a wide range of medical services, including:

  • Inpatient and outpatient care
  • Emergency care
  • Preventive care
  • Maternity care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Wellness benefits
  • Medical evacuation

Some Integra Global plans also cover pre-existing conditions, but this varies depending on the plan. It is important to read the fine print of the policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

Allianz Global Assistance health insurance: Coverage from a globally reputed name

A leader in the industry, Allianz Global Health Insurance offers a range of health insurance plans to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes. The plans are:

  1. Core Plans: Cover a range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care, and dental care.
  2. Optional Plans: Offer additional coverage, such as vision care, wellness benefits, and medical evacuation.

Allianz Global Health Insurance plans are available to residents of most countries, and they provide coverage for medical expenses incurred anywhere in the world, including:

  • Inpatient and outpatient care
  • Emergency care
  • Preventive care
  • Maternity care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Wellness benefits
  • Medical evacuation

Here is an overview of Allianz Global Health Insurance plans for a 27-year-old from BC:

PlanTarget AudienceCoverageCost/Year
Expatriate Health Insurance
Individuals and families living or working outside home countryComprehensive coverage for services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care, dental care$1,000 to $2,000
Student Health Insurance
Students studying abroadAffordable coverage for services, including emergency and preventive care$500 to $1,000
Business Health Insurance
Businesses with employees who live, work, or travel outside home countryComprehensive coverage for services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency, preventive, maternity care, dental care$2,000 to $3,000
Global health insurance: Allianz

The cost of Allianz Global Health Insurance plans for families will be higher, depending on the number of family members and the level of coverage selected. To get free and personalized quotes as per your location and age, you can use our comparator.


Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans and Rates on the market!

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ALC global health insurance: Includes short-term plans

ALC Global Health Insurance offers a range of health insurance plans to meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes. The plans are designed for people who live, work, or travel outside of their home country.

ALC Global Health Insurance plans fall into three categories:

  • Individual and Family Plans: These plans are designed for individuals and families who live, work, or travel outside of their home country.
  • Group Plans: These plans are designed for businesses that have employees who live, work, or travel outside of their home country.
  • Short-Term Plans: These plans are designed for people who need temporary health insurance coverage, such as students studying abroad or people traveling for an extended period of time.
PlanCoverage
Prima Plan
Inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care, and dental care
Bronze Plan
Inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care and dental care
Silver Plan
Inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care, dental care, vision care and wellness benefits
Gold Plan
Inpatient and outpatient care, emergency care, preventive care, maternity care, dental care, vision care, wellness benefits and medical evacuation
ALC Global Health Insurance plans

The cost of ALC Global Health Insurance plans varies depending on a number of factors, including the individual's age, health history, country of residence, and the level of coverage selected. However, ALC Global Health Insurance plans are generally more expensive than traditional health insurance plans.

Here is a rough estimate of the cost of ALC Global Health Insurance plans for a single adult of 30 years:

  • Prima Plan: $500 to $1,000 per year
  • Bronze Plan: $1,000 to $2,000 per year
  • Silver Plan: $2,000 to $3,000 per year
  • Gold Plan: $3,000 to $4,000 per year

Tata AIG health insurance global coverage

Tata AIG offers a global coverage plan called the Global Health Insurance Plan. This plan is for people who live, work, or travel outside of India. It’s available to Indian citizens and residents who are between the ages of 3 months and 80 years. There is no waiting period for the plan, and coverage can start immediately after issuing the policy.

Aetna global health insurance: Coverage for a wide range of medical services

Aetna is a well-known American health insurance company that provides a wide range of health-related products and services. Aetna is a subsidiary of CVS Health Corporation.

Aetna Health Insurance offers a variety of health insurance plans for Canadians who live, work, or travel outside of Canada. The plans are to provide comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care and emergency care.

Here are some of the Aetna Global Health Insurance plans that are available to Canadians:

  • Individual and Family Plans: These plans are for individuals and families who live, work, or travel outside of Canada. They offer a variety of coverage options to choose from, so you can find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
  • Group Plans (global group health insurance): These plans are for businesses that have employees who live, work, or travel outside of Canada. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business and its employees.
  • Short-Term Plans: These are for people who need temporary health insurance coverage, such as students studying abroad or people traveling for an extended period of time.

The cost of Aetna Global Health Insurance plans varies depending on a number of factors, including your age, health history, country of residence, and the level of coverage you need. However, Aetna Global Health Insurance plans are generally more expensive than traditional health insurance plans.

Here is an estimate of the cost of Aetna Global Health Insurance plans:

  • Individual and Family Plans: $1,000 to $2,000 per year
  • Group Plans: $2,000 to $3,000 per year
  • Short-Term Plans: $500 to $1,000 per year

What is global expat health insurance?

Global expat health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for people who live, work, or travel outside of their home country. It is also known as international health insurance or global private medical insurance.

Individuals, families, and businesses can buy global expat health insurance. They are typically more expensive than traditional health insurance plans, but they offer comprehensive coverage and flexibility.

<strong>Can you get short-term global health insurance?</strong>

Yes, you can get short-term global health insurance. Short-term global health insurance plans are designed to provide coverage for people who need temporary health insurance coverage, such as students studying abroad or people traveling for an extended period of time.

What is global citizen health insurance?

Global citizen health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for people who live, work, or travel outside of their home country for an extended period of time, typically more than one year.

Global citizen health insurance is a good option for people who:

  • Live or work outside of their home country for an extended period of time
  • Travel frequently
  • Have a pre-existing condition
  • Are planning to have a baby abroad
  • Want the flexibility to access medical care anywhere in the world

What does global health insurance cover?

Global health insurance typically provides coverage for a range of healthcare services and expenses while you are traveling or living abroad. The specific coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy you choose, but here are some common elements that global health insurance may cover:

  1. Medical Expenses: Covers the cost of medical treatment for illnesses and injuries that occur while you are abroad. This can include doctor's visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications, and emergency medical care.
  2. Emergency Evacuation: Coverage for emergency evacuation or repatriation.
  3. Preventive Care: Some policies may cover preventive services such as vaccinations, health screenings, and wellness check-ups.
  4. Maternity Care: Some global health insurance plans offer coverage for maternity care and childbirth, including prenatal and postnatal care, delivery, and newborn care.
  5. Dental and Vision: Some policies include coverage for dental and vision care, which can be important for routine check-ups and unexpected dental or eye problems.
  6. Mental Health Services: May have coverage for mental health services, including therapy and counseling.
  7. Pre-existing Conditions: Depending on the policy, coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available, but it often comes with waiting periods or limitations.
  8. Travel Assistance: Help with lost passports, translation services, and information about local healthcare facilities.
  9. Repatriation of Remains: Global health insurance may cover the cost of repatriating their remains to their home country.
  10. Emergency Dental and Medical Transportation: May cover emergency dental procedures or medical transportation, such as air ambulance services.

Good to know

It is worth noting that being enrolled in a provincial healthcare plan like the Medical Services Plan or the AHCIP is mandatory to buy private health insurance in Canada. However, the requirements may change depending on the type of insurance and your residential situation.

What is the difference between global health insurance and international health insurance?

Global health insurance and international health insurance are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two.

FeatureGlobal Health InsuranceInternational Health Insurance
Coverage
Long termShort term
Level of coverage
More comprehensiveLess comprehensive
Cost
HigherLower
Target audience
People who live, work or travel outside of their home country for an extended period of time, as well as people who live in their home country but want to have the flexibility to travel or receive medical care abroadPeople who are traveling or living outside of their home country for a temporary period of time, such as students, business travelers, and expatriates
Global health insurance vs. international health insurance

How to get cheap global health insurance?

  1. Compare Quotes: Get quotes from multiple insurers to find the best price. You can use our comparator to compare multiple plans and get free quotes in seconds.
  2. Customize Coverage: Adjust your plan to match your needs and budget.
  3. Explore Local Plans: Consider local health insurance in your host country.
  4. Group Plans: Check if your organization offers group insurance for members.
  5. High Deductible: Opt for a plan with a higher deductible for lower premiums.
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Sunny has over six years of experience curating engaging content spanning across industries. Specifically in finance, his expertise is insurance reviews and lending and investment topics.

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